Mark William Skinner, world traveler

Jul 10, 2014

Mark William Skinner

Mark William Skinner, 57, of Huntington Beach, Calif., passed away unexpectedly at home Saturday, April 26, 2014. He is survived by his son, Peter Hamlin Skinner of Troy, N.Y.; his parents, Albert Mark and Charolette A. Skinner of Millsboro; his brother, Bruce and sister-in-law Pam of Bowie, Md.; his sister and brother-in-law, Judith and Kevin Powers of Hockessin; two nieces and three nephews; and his former wife and dear friend Lisa Hamlin Skinner of Irvine, Calif.

A native of the suburban Wilmington area, Mark graduated from Alexis I. DuPont High School and the University of Delaware, where he was elected to membership in Tau Beta Pi honorary engineering society. While in high school he was awarded a national Young Scientists and Engineers Award for a research study he had entered into competition. A member of both the Alexis DuPont High School Symphonic and Marching Bands, as well as the University of Delaware Marching Band, Mark enjoyed playing trombone. He also studied piano for many years and enjoyed playing classical works.

At the time of his death, Mark had been employed for many years at the Boeing Corporation in Huntington Beach, where he and Lisa had relocated. At Boeing (then McDonnell Douglas), Mark worked on the Delta Rocket program as a structural engineer. Most recently he had been a software systems administrator supporting engineering analysis and was recognized for Outstanding Achievement, Dedication & Team Work with respect to the Data Center Optimization of the Southwest Region. Prior to joining McDonnell Douglas, Mark was employed by BDM Corporation at its Tyndall Air Force Base location in Panama City, Fla.

Mark enjoyed riding his jet ski and sailing his boat on the Indian River in Millsboro. He and Lisa enjoyed scuba diving in the British West Indies and sailboarding on Canandaigua Lake in New York. The many family ski vacations in Vermont and the Rockies were legendary. Lisa and Mark met while skiing in Zermatt, Switzerland. Mark enjoyed traveling, and in addition to the West Indies, he traveled across the U.S. with his family in their motor home, visited the Soviet Union as a high school senior, enjoyed extended European travel, and attended NATO committee meetings abroad for the U.S. Air Force. More recently, he cherished a father-and-son road trip from southern California to Troy, N.Y., to deliver Peter's car to college in the Northeast.

Always active in Peter's many sports and academic activities, Mark certified as a Little League umpire and managed the league's umpire schedules. Mark also served as an American Youth Soccer Organization referee in Orange County, Calif., for 17 years, stopping only recently due to health issues. In 2009, he was named No. 1 Referee Mentor for the AYSO Region 117. While Peter was in middle school, Mark coached Peter's school team for the California math league competition.

A caring and outgoing person, Mark treasured longtime friends. He will be dearly missed by his family, colleagues, friends and neighbors.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 24, at Newark United Methodist Church, 69 East Main St., Newark. A reception will follow in Heritage Hall at the church where family will greet friends. The service will be celebrated by the Rev. Dr. David Palmer, senior pastor at the Newark church, and by the Rev. Ed Kuhling, pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Millsboro, where Mark's parents attend. In lieu of flowers it is suggested that contributions be made to the Hugo Bustamante Playership Fund, AYSO National Office, 19750 South Vermont Ave., Suite 200, Torrance, CA 90502, or the charity of your choice. Interment will be private.